Juventus are struggling to come to terms with their midfield problems, with both Paul Pogba and Nicolù Fagioli out for the near future after their respective scandals. Massimiliano Allegri is now obliged to bring in at least one central midfielder of world-class caliber in the January transfer window, although they still possess the likes of Manuel Locatelli, Hans Caviglia, Fabio Miretti and Weston McKennie.
As per Tuttomercatoweb, Udinese midfield stalwart Lazar Samardžić, who came painfully close to completing a move to Inter in the summer window, has emerged as a realistic target for the Bianconeri. Samardzic has long been in the crosshairs of Juventus, but the club’s lack of drive allowed Derby d’Italia rivals Inter to make a heartful attempt for him in August, before the deal eventually fell through.
🇷🇸 Lazar Samardzić: “I feel I’m ready to join a top club. I want that kind of move”.
“Inter deal collapsed? It wasn’t about money, there were other issues but it makes no sense speaking of that now”.
“I’ll spend this year at Udinese then I want top club move”, told Sportweek. pic.twitter.com/UJTpAYBw3k
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2023
An agreement is reportedly already in place between Samardžić and Juventus, with only Udinese remaining to be dealt with. The Bianconeri are said to be willing to negotiate with the Friulani for a loan deal with an obligation to buy, plus the inclusion of a technical counterpart in the form of Nicolussi Caviglia.
Although Samardzic is Juventus’ primary target, another eye is on Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners and Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul. The former is more than unlikely to leave La Dea given his stature in Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, whereas the Argentine midfielder could be a secondary option if the move for Samardžić breaks down.
Our Take on Samardžić and Juventus
Having succeeded in warding Inter off, Udinese are unlikely to let Samardžić leave unless and until a bumper offer arrives their way. The Serbian is ready to take the next step up. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether it will be in the winter or at the end of the season.
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